Removal of components from aircraft

Abstract

A method of removing a component from an aircraft includes attaching a device comprising a guide member to the aircraft; attaching the component (such as an actuator) to the guide member; detaching the component from the rest of the aircraft; and moving the guide member so that the component follows a predefined path of removal of the component. A device for use in such a method is also described.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of removing a component from an aircraft in which the component is installed, the method comprising:
 (a) attaching a device comprising a guide member to the aircraft in which the component is installed, the guide member being pivotally mounted for rotational motion about a pivot point; 
 (b) attaching the installed component to the guide member; 
 (c) detaching the component from the rest of the aircraft; and 
 (d) rotating the guide member about the pivot point thereby moving the guide member and the component away from the aircraft, said rotation of the guide member about the pivot point moving the component along a predefined path of removal assisted by the weight of the component. 
 
     
     
       2. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a handle operatively associated with the guide member and the handle is used to rotate the guide member about the pivot point. 
     
     
       3. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the pivot point is remote from the component to be removed. 
     
     
       4. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the path of removal is on the underside of the aircraft. 
     
     
       5. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein, prior to the detaching step, the component is above the pivot point. 
     
     
       6. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the component is initially positioned in the wing or tail of the aircraft. 
     
     
       7. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mass of the component is more than 25 kg. 
     
     
       8. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a guide member that is separable from one or more mounting components which are attachable to the aircraft, and wherein step (c) comprises attaching the one or more mounting components to the aircraft and then attaching the guide member to the one or more mounting components. 
     
     
       9. A method according to  claim 1 , the device comprising a support portion for supporting the component, wherein prior to step (b), removing an outer panel of the aircraft to provide access to the component to be removed,
 wherein step (d) comprises moving the support portion and the component away from the aircraft. 
 
     
     
       10. A method according to  claim 9 , wherein the component is an actuator attached to a wing or tail of the aircraft, and the outer panel is removed from the underside of the wing or tail. 
     
     
       11. A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the aircraft has one or more ribs and the device is attached to said one or more ribs of the aircraft. 
     
     
       12. A method according to  claim 6 , wherein the wing or tail includes an aileron or an elevator, the aileron or elevator being moved to an elevated position prior to attaching the device to the aircraft. 
     
     
       13. A method of removing a component from an aircraft using a device which includes
 a mounting member providing an attachment portion for attaching the device to the aircraft; 
 a guide member comprising a support portion for receipt of the component to be removed, the guide member being pivotally mounted to the mounting member so that, when the component is being supported by the support portion in use, the support portion moves pivotally away from the aircraft along a predefined path; and 
 a handle operatively associated with the guide member for assisting in the pivotal movement of the guide member; 
 said method comprising: 
 attaching the attachment portion of the mounting member of the device to the aircraft; 
 attaching the component to the support portion of the guide member of the device; 
 detaching the component from the rest of the aircraft; and 
 using a handle operatively associated with the guide member, moving the guide member about a pivot point, at which the guide member is pivotally mounted to the mounting member, so that the component moves pivotally away from the aircraft along a predefined path, wherein the moving of the guide member along the predefined path is assisted by the weight of the component. 
 
     
     
       14. A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the moving of the guide member is effected manually. 
     
     
       15. A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the path of removal is on the underside of the aircraft. 
     
     
       16. A method according to  claim 13 , wherein, prior to the detaching step, the component is above the pivot point. 
     
     
       17. A method according to  claim 13 , further comprising
 before said attaching the component to the support portion of the guide member of the device, removing an outer panel of the aircraft to provide access to the component to be removed. 
 
     
     
       18. A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the component to be removed is an actuator attached to a wing or tail of the aircraft, and the outer panel is removed from the underside of the wing or tail. 
     
     
       19. A method according to  claim 18 , wherein the wing or tail includes an aileron or an elevator, the aileron or elevator being moved to an elevated position prior to attaching the device to the aircraft. 
     
     
       20. A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the aircraft has one or more ribs and the device is attached to said one or more ribs of the aircraft.